Brittany Murphy, the bubbly, free-spirited actress who appeared in films including “Clueless” and “8 Mile,” has died. She was 32.
Murphy was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m. PT Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Sally Stewart told CNN Radio.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death, and robbery and homicide detectives will be at her home, LAPD spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said. No other details were immediately available.
“In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support,” Murphy’s publicist, Nicole Perna, said in a statement. “It is their wish that you respect their privacy.”
Murphy starred in several movies, including “Just Married,” “Don’t Say a Word,” and “Riding in Cars with Boys.” She also voiced the character Luanne on the animated TV series “King of the Hill.”
She is survived by her husband, Simon Monjack, whom she married in 2007.
Murphy’s former boyfriend and “Just Married” co-star Ashton Kutcher posted his reaction to the news via Twitter.
“2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon,” Kutcher posted.
He added later: “see you on the other side kid.”
Singer-actress Jessica Simpson tweeted: “Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. Her smile was contagious. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.”
Murphy was best known for her work in a string of romantic comedies in the early 2000s, including lead roles in “Uptown Girls” alongside Dakota Fanning, and “Little Black Book” with Holly Hunter and Kathy Bates.
She also lent her voice to a number of animated works. In addition to her “King of the Hill” role, Murphy’s raspy voice could be heard on the TV series “Futurama” and the 2006 hit movie “Happy Feet.”
Her work as troubled teenagers in “Don’t Say a Word” and “Girl, Interrupted” also gained her critical acclaim.
